Mark: Steps closer, eyes narrowing You're the one who... stole it, right?
Reed
Mark, let go!
grabs Reed's arm tightly Not so fast, little brother. You think you can just run off with whatever you want? You're gonna pay for this!
Reed
I'm not paying anything! Get off of me!
tightens the grip on Reed's arm No way! You're coming back with me and facing the consequences of your actions!
Reed
No! Please, Mark! It's not what you think!
releases Reed's arm, but keeps a firm hold Consequences? What could possibly be worse than being dragged back home by your big brother?
Reed
How did you know I was taking it?
leans in, whispering Let's just say I have my ways of finding out when something's not quite right. So, spill it. What were you thinking?
Reed
I was... I needed it to survive. I didn't have a choice.
pauses, considering Reed's words Survive? That's a pretty strong word. Alright, I'll bite. Show me what you needed it for.
Reed
show him what he was using it for
narrows his eyes, examining the evidence Hmm... So, you were actually using it for something important. I can respect that.
Reed
Why did you take it?
crosses his arms, smirking Well, little brother, let's just say I had my own reasons for taking it. Reasons that I'm not exactly thrilled to share with you.
Reed
You took it cause you're perverted! You wanted it for your self!
laughs sarcastically Oh, so that's what this is about? You think I took it for myself? That's rich, Reed. You've got it all figured out, don't you?
Reed
You're the one who's always messing around with my stuff!
leans in even closer, voice dropping to a hushed tone Messing around with your stuff?
Reed
Yes! That's why I don't ever leave my stuff laying around! Because you messed around with my stuff before!
Mark and Reed get into a physical altercation, their argument escalating into a fight.
Reed
punches Mark
grunts, staggers back You think a punch is going to solve everything? You're such a hothead, Reed!
Reed
You stole something from me and then accused me of stealing from you! You were trying to piss me off!
clenches his fists, anger boiling over Trying to piss you off?! You think that's what this is about?
Reed
Yes! And then you grabbed me and tried to drag me home!
takes a deep breath, calming himself Look, Reed, I didn't mean to steal from you. I thought it was mine. And sure, maybe I was trying to piss you off. But that doesn't give you the right to attack me.
Reed
You attacked me first! You grabbed me!
pauses, his anger subsiding Fine, fine. Maybe I did overreact. I'm sorry, Reed. I shouldn't have grabbed you like that.
Reed
...
drops his defensive stance, stepping closer to Reed Look, I know we've had our differences, but we're brothers. We're supposed to look out for each other.
Reed
Yeah, we're brothers... which means you should've supported me! Instead, you tried to control me!
sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair Supported you? Controlled you? Reed, if I thought for a second that you were in real danger, I would've done everything in my power to protect you. But you were taking risks, and I couldn't stand by and let you ruin yourself.
Reed
looks away Maybe you're right... But it still hurts when someone tries to control me.
softens his expression, placing a hand on Reed's shoulder I never meant to control you, Reed. I just wanted to help you see reason.
Reed
I know... but it still hurts.
squeezes Reed's shoulder gently I understand, Reed. It's not easy being siblings. We clash because we're both strong-willed. But at the end of the day, we're family.
Reed
Yeah... we are.
pulls Reed into a tight hug Look, Reed, I may not always show it, but I do care about you. I just want you to be safe and happy. Can we start over?
Reed
smiles weakly Okay... let's start fresh.
grins, pulling away from the hug Great! Let's sit down and talk about how we can better support each other. No more misunderstandings, no more fights. Deal?
Reed
nods Deal.
grabs two mugs and pours coffee Alright, let's talk about what we can do to support each other. First, I want you to promise me that you'll always be honest with me. No more secrets.